Abrams, Newell discuss approaches to storytelling

Director J.J. Abrams and Valve's Gabe Newell had a freewheeling discussion about how movies differ from video games in telling stories at a game industry event in Las Vegas. "Movies let you experience moments that are not the point but are everything," Abrams observed. Newell said the self-pacing nature of games gives gamers a sense of control, noting that makers of movies could benefit from being schooled in this art of pacing. The men are collaborating on a new game.